EP3327732B1 - Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem - Google Patents

Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3327732B1
EP3327732B1 EP16200293.5A EP16200293A EP3327732B1 EP 3327732 B1 EP3327732 B1 EP 3327732B1 EP 16200293 A EP16200293 A EP 16200293A EP 3327732 B1 EP3327732 B1 EP 3327732B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cable
converter
optical
hybrid
members
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16200293.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3327732A1 (de
Inventor
Peter Lo Curzio
Karl-Ove Andersson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hexatronic Group AB
Original Assignee
Hexatronic Group AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=57394427&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP3327732(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Hexatronic Group AB filed Critical Hexatronic Group AB
Priority to EP16200293.5A priority Critical patent/EP3327732B1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2017/080161 priority patent/WO2018096020A1/en
Publication of EP3327732A1 publication Critical patent/EP3327732A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3327732B1 publication Critical patent/EP3327732B1/de
Priority to ZA2019/04058A priority patent/ZA201904058B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B9/00—Power cables
    • H01B9/005—Power cables including optical transmission elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02—Details
    • H04L12/10—Current supply arrangements

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to hybrid cables for conveying both optical signals and electric power.
  • the present disclosure also relates to methods of installing such hybrid cables, and to communication systems comprising such hybrid cables.
  • Fig. 1 shows of a prior art communication system 100 including a WiFi access point 110 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Electric signals transmitted from a server 120 are converted into optical signals by a converter 130. The optical signals are transmitted over one or more optical fibres 140 to a location closer to the WiFi access point 110. A power over Ethernet (PoE) switch 150 converts the optical signals into electrical signals which are transmitted over an Ethernet cable 160 to the WiFi access point 110. While the fibres 140 may be employed for transferring data over long distances, the Ethernet cable 160 should not be too long (for example at most 100 meters for a category 6 cable).
  • PoE power over Ethernet
  • the PoE switch 150 needs to be arranged relatively close to the WiFi access point 110.
  • the PoE switch 150 is powered by a local power source 170.
  • the local power source 170 may for example be provided in the form of line power (or grid power) converted by a power converter into a format suitable for powering the PoE switch 150 (for example 48 V direct current).
  • the PoE switch 150 also provides power over the Ethernet cable 160 for powering the WiFi access point 110. Data from the WiFi access point 110 is also provided back via the Ethernet cable 160, the PoE switch 150, the fibres 140 and the converter 130 to the server 120.
  • the mobile network operator may need to install WiFi access points 110 at many different locations. At some of these locations, there may be no power source available, or installation of the required wiring and/or power conversion may be complicated, for example due to lack of space.
  • the mobile network operator may not own the locations or buildings in which the WiFi access points 110 are to be installed.
  • the mobile network operator may therefore need to make separate agreements with owners of each house in which the WiFi access points 110 are to be installed. Similar problems may arise for surveillance cameras 180 for which data communication and electric power is provided via PoE switches 150. In order to provide adequate coverage of an area, surveillance cameras 180 may need to be arranged at many different locations. At some of these locations, it may be difficult or complicated to provide power for the PoE switches 150 and/or the cameras 180.
  • Example prior art is disclosed in WO 2015/168686 A1 which describes a composite micro cable.
  • the composite cable includes at least one buffer tube, at least one electrical power conductor, and at least one rigid strength member. Optical fibers are placed within the at least one buffer tube.
  • the composite cable may be blown into a pathway established in a coaxial cable by the extraction of the inner conductor and the dielectric member of the coaxial cable.
  • the composite cable may be employed to provide power and broadband services.
  • Example prior art is also disclosed in US 2015/078740 A1 which describes a fiber optic communications network.
  • the network includes: a power insertion device, connected to multiple fiber links from a data source, configured to provide power insertion to a hybrid fiber/power cable connected to at least one fiber link of the multiple fiber links; the hybrid cable, connecting the power insertion device to a connection interface device, configured to transmit data and power from the power insertion device to the connection interface device; and the connection interface device, configured to provide an interface for connection to an end device via power over Ethernet (PoE)-compatible connection and to provide optical to electrical media conversion for data transmitted from the power insertion device to an end device via the hybrid cable and the PoE-compatible connection.
  • PoE power over Ethernet
  • Example prior art is also disclosed in WO 2016/106152 A1 which describes a hybrid cable that transmits both electrical power and optical signals.
  • the hybrid able has a transverse cross-sectional shape with multiple lobes and a generally circular outer boundary. At least some of the lobes surround and insulate the electrical conductors. The lobes surrounding the electrical conductors can be torn away from the remainder of the cable while continuing to insulate the electrical conductors.
  • a communication system comprising a duct, a hybrid cable for conveying electric power at least 100 meters through the duct, a first converter, a second converter, a third converter, and a fourth converter is provided. At least a portion of the hybrid cable is located in the duct.
  • the hybrid cable (which may also be referred to as a hybrid cable assembly) comprises an optical cable member, two electric cable members and a cable sheathing.
  • the optical cable member comprises a signal transmitting member adapted to transmit (or convey) optical signals along the hybrid cable and a tubular enclosure enclosing the signal transmitting member.
  • Each of the electric cable members comprises an electrically conductive interior for conveying electric power along the hybrid cable and an electrically insulating layer enclosing the electrically conductive interior.
  • the cable sheathing encloses the optical cable member and the electric cable members.
  • a thickness of the electrically insulating layer of at least one of (for example both of) the electrical cable members is less than or equal to 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm).
  • the first converter has an optical interface and an electrical interface. The first converter is configured to provide conversion between optical signals at the optical interface and electrical signals at the electrical interface.
  • the fourth converter has an optical interface and an electrical interface. The fourth converter is configured to provide conversion between optical signals at its optical interface and electrical signals at its electrical interface.
  • the optical cable member is connected to the optical interface of the first converter and the optical interface of the fourth converter.
  • the second converter is arranged to supply power to the first converter.
  • the second converter comprises an interface connected to the electric cable members of the hybrid cable.
  • the second converter is a power converter configured to convert electric power from a first power format received via the electric cable members into a second power format for powering the first converter.
  • the first power format includes direct current at a voltage level of at least 75 Volt and at most 110 Volt.
  • the third converter is connected to the electric cable members of the hybrid cable for providing direct current at a first voltage level to the electric cable members of the hybrid cable.
  • the third converter is a power converter configured to convert a second voltage level into the first voltage level and/or configured to convert alternate current into direct current.
  • Hybrid cables comprising both optical fibres and electrical conductors are known in the art.
  • the conductors of such prior art hybrid cables are provided with certain amounts of insulation (for example compliant with the American wire gauge, AWG, system). This makes such prior art hybrid cables too thick to fit into at least some narrow ducts, and/or prevents such prior art hybrid cables from being conveniently blown (or cable jetted) long distances through such ducts.
  • the inventors have realized that existing infrastructure of ducts (or micro ducts, or tubes, or ducting), already employed for conveying data via optical fibres, could also be employed for conveying electric power, if new hybrid cables were designed to fit into such ducts.
  • the inventors have realized that by appropriately selecting the electric power to be transferred through the hybrid cable (for example by selecting direct current instead of alternate current, and/or by selecting a certain voltage level), the required insulation for safely conveying the electric power may be reduced.
  • the ducts themselves may also contribute to protection of the electrically conductive interiors of the hybrid cable.
  • the inventors have further realized that the reduced insulation thickness allows the hybrid cable diameter to be reduced. The reduced diameter facilitates insertion (or installation) of the hybrid cable into narrow ducts.
  • the electrically insulating layers may for example be thicker than 0.35 mm (or 0.3 mm, or 0.25 mm).
  • a minimal thickness of the electrically insulating layer (i.e. a thickness of the insulating layer at a point where it is thinnest) of at least one of (or for each of) the electrical cable members may for example be at most 0.35 mm, or at most 0.30 mm, or at most 0.25 mm.
  • a shortest distance through the electrically insulating layer of at least one of (or for each of) the electrical cable members may for example be at most 0.35 mm, or at most 0.30 mm, or at most 0.25 mm.
  • a distance between the electrically conductive interiors of at least two of the electric cable members may for example be at most 0.75 mm, or 0.70 mm, or 0.60 mm, or 0.50 mm.
  • the electrically conductive interiors of at least two of the electric cable members may for example be separated by at most 0.75 mm, or 0.70 mm, or 0.60 mm, or 0.50 mm of electrically insulating material.
  • a combined thickness of electrically insulating material (or materials) arranged between the electrically conductive interiors of at least two of the electric cable members may for example be at most 0.75 mm, or 0.70 mm, or 0.60 mm, or 0.50 mm.
  • the optical cable member may for example comprise one or more optical fibres.
  • the optical cable member may for example comprise a loose tube cable arrangement including multiple optical fibres.
  • the optical cable member may for example comprise one or more tight buffered optical fibres.
  • the hybrid cable may for example comprise multiple optical cable members.
  • the hybrid cable may for example comprise more than two electric cable members.
  • the cable sheathing may for example be an outer cable sheathing (for example an outermost sheathing of the hybrid cable).
  • the signal transmitting members may for example comprise material suitable for conveying light.
  • a distance from a first electric cable member of the electric cable members to the electrically conductive interior of a second electric cable member of the electric cable members may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm), or a distance from the optical cable member to the electrically conductive interior of an electric cable member of the electric cable members may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm).
  • a distance from at least one point in a first electric cable member of the electric cable members to at least one point in the electrically conductive interior of a second electric cable member of the electric cable members may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm), and/or a distance from at least one point in the optical cable member to at least one point in the electrically conductive interior of an electric cable member of the electric cable members may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm).
  • the relatively low insulation thickness may allow the electrically conductive interiors of the electrical cable members to be placed close to other parts of the hybrid cable (such as other electrical cable members or/or the optical cable member), which allows the diameter of the hybrid cable to be reduced.
  • a distance from the electric cable member to the electrically conductive interior of another electric cable member of the electric cable members may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm), and/or that a distance from the optical cable member to the electrically conductive interior of the electric cable member may be less than 0.35 mm (or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm).
  • a diameter of each of the electric cable members may be at most 2 mm, or at most 1.9 mm, or at most 1.8 mm, or at most 1.7 mm, or at most 1.6 mm.
  • electric cable members of such smaller diameter may be employed to safely convey electric power.
  • a reduced diameter of the electric cable members may allow the diameter of the hybrid cable to be reduced.
  • a diameter of the hybrid cable may be at most 7.5 mm.
  • the diameter if the hybrid cable may for example be at most 7 mm, or at most 6 mm.
  • Thinner hybrid cables may be installed (for example pushed, pulled or blown) into narrower ducts.
  • Reducing the diameter of the hybrid cable may for example also reduce the weight of the hybrid cable.
  • the weight of the hybrid cable may for example be at most 60 kg/km, or at most 50 kg/km. Lighter cables may be easier to blow into ducts than heavier cables.
  • the hybrid cable may comprise a strength member centrally located in the hybrid cable and extending axially along the hybrid cable.
  • the optical cable member and the electric cable members may be distributed around the strength member.
  • the strength member may provide the hybrid cable with a certain degree of rigidity which facilitates blowing of the cable into ducts. At least for sufficiently light cables, strength members may not be necessary for blowing the cable into a duct.
  • Distributing the optical cable member and the electric cable members around the centrally located strength member is a way to provide symmetry in the hybrid cable, such that the hybrid cable behaves similarly in different directions (for example resistance to external forces such as bending).
  • the hybrid cable may comprise two optical cable members and four electric cable members.
  • Each of the optical cable members may comprise a signal transmitting member adapted to transmit optical signals along the hybrid cable and a tubular enclosure enclosing the signal transmitting member.
  • Each of the electric cable members may comprise an electrically conductive interior for conveying electric power along the hybrid cable and an electrically insulating layer enclosing the electrically conductive interior.
  • the cable sheathing may enclose the strength member, the optical cable members and the electric cable members.
  • the optical cable members and the electric cable members may be distributed around the strength member.
  • the four optical cable members may for example be employed in two pairs for powering two different devices or subsystems (for example different access points or nodes in a communication system).
  • a distance from the optical cable member (for example from a point in the optical cable member closest to the center of the hybrid cable) to a center of the hybrid cable may be no longer than a factor 1.5 (or 1.4, or 1.3, or 1.2, or 1.1) times a distance from the electric cable member (for example from a point in the electric cable member closest to the center of the hybrid cable) to the center of the hybrid cable, and the distance from the electric cable member (for example from a point in the electric cable member closest to the center of the hybrid cable) to the center of the hybrid cable may be no longer than a factor 1.5 (or 1.4, or 1.3, or 1.2, or 1.1) times the distance from the optical cable member (for example from a point in the optical cable member closest to the center of the hybrid cable) to the center of the hybrid cable.
  • the electric cable members and the optical cable member may for example be distributed around the center of the hybrid cable at similar distances from the center of the hybrid cable. Such arrangement may contribute to the symmetry of the hybrid cable.
  • the first converter and the second converter may be comprised in a communication subsystem.
  • Electric power conveyed through the cable may experience a voltage drop, which may depend on the length of the hybrid cable.
  • the second converter may allow the subsystem to take this voltage drop into account, for example by compensating for the voltage drop.
  • the second converter may for example be configured to receive direct current from the electric cable members.
  • the second converter may for example be a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter.
  • DC-DC direct current to direct current
  • Use of direct current in the hybrid cable may for example allow the insulation in the hybrid cable to be reduced as compared to use of alternate current.
  • embodiments may also be envisaged in which alternate current is conveyed in the hybrid cable at a lower voltage level.
  • the first converter may for example be configured to convert electrical signals into optical signals and/or to convert optical signals into electrical signals.
  • the first converter and the second converter may for example be arranged (or integrated) within the same casing, or in separate casings.
  • the first converter may for example be a PoE switch.
  • the communication system may comprise at least one device connected to the electrical interface of the first converter.
  • the at least one device may include a camera (for example a surveillance camera), a sensor (for example an optical sensor or a heat sensor), and/or a wireless transmitter (i.e. a transmitter configured to transmit wireless signals).
  • the communication system may for example comprise one or more sensors employed for triggering an alarm
  • the first converter may for example be configured to provide data and electric power to the at least one device.
  • the first converter may for example be an alternate current to direct current (AC-DC) converter, or a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter.
  • AC-DC alternate current to direct current
  • DC-DC direct current to direct current
  • the third converter may for example be configured to convert a higher voltage level into a lower voltage level.
  • the third converter may for example be configured to convert alternate current from line power (or grid power) into at most 120 V direct current.
  • the third converter may for example be configured to convert optical signals into electrical signals and/or to convert electrical signals into optical signals.
  • the hybrid cable may be located in a duct (for example in a microduct).
  • the duct may for example comprise a cylindrical wall having a thickness of at least 1 mm.
  • the duct may for example facilitate installation of the hybrid cable, and/or help protect the hybrid cable (e.g. for providing electrical safety).
  • a distance along the duct between at least one opening of the duct, via which the first and second converters are connected to the hybrid cable, and at least one opening of the duct, via which the third and fourth converters are connected to the hybrid cable may be at least 100 meters (or at least 200, 300, 400, or 500 meters).
  • an installation method comprises providing a hybrid cable for conveying electric power at least 100 meters through a duct.
  • the hybrid cable comprises an optical cable member, two electric cable members, and a cable sheathing enclosing the optical cable member and the electric cable members.
  • the optical cable member comprises a signal transmitting member adapted to transmit optical signals along the hybrid cable and a tubular enclosure enclosing the signal transmitting member.
  • Each of the electric cable members comprises an electrically conductive interior for conveying electric power along the hybrid cable and an electrically insulating layer enclosing the electrically conductive interior.
  • a thickness of the electrically insulating layer of at least one of the electrical cable members is less than or equal to 0.35 mm.
  • the installation method may comprise inserting into a duct an end of the hybrid cable, blowing at least part of the hybrid cable at least partly through the duct, connecting the optical cable member to an optical interface of a first converter, wherein the first converter is configured to provide conversion between optical signals at the optical interface and electrical signals at an electrical interface, and connecting the optical cable member to an optical interface of a fourth converter, wherein the fourth converter is configured to provide conversion between optical signals at its optical interface and electrical signals at an electrical interface of the fourth converter.
  • the method further comprises connecting the electric cable members to an interface of a second converter.
  • the second converter is arranged to supply power to the first converter.
  • the second converter is a power converter configured to convert electric power from a first power format received via the electric cable members into a second power format for powering the first converter.
  • the first power format includes direct current at a voltage level of at least 75 Volt and at most 110 Volt.
  • the method further comprises connecting the electric cable members to a third converter.
  • the third converter is arranged to provide direct current at a first voltage level to the electric cable members of the hybrid cable.
  • the third converter is a power converter configured to convert a second voltage level into the first voltage level and/or configured to convert alternate current into direct current.
  • the hybrid cable may for example be blown into the duct via cable jetting.
  • the hybrid cable may for example be pushed (or fed) into the duct while blowing the hybrid cable through the duct.
  • the method may comprise blowing at least part of the hybrid cable through at least 100 meters of the duct.
  • the method may for example comprise blowing at least part of the hybrid cable through at least 200, 300, 400 or 500 meters of the duct. If the diameter of the hybrid cable is too close to the inner diameter of the duct, it may be difficult to blow the hybrid cable long distances through the duct.
  • the duct may have an inner diameter of at most 13 mm, or at most 12 mm, or at most 11 mm, or at most 10 mm, or at most 9 mm, or at most 8 mm.
  • the electric power conveyed by the hybrid cable through the duct may have a voltage of at most 110 V, or at most 100 V, or at most 90 V.
  • the electric power conveyed through the duct may for example have a current level of at most 3 A (Ampere), or at most 4 A, or at most 5 A, or at most 10 A.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure relate to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the communication system, according to the first aspect, are combinable with installation methods according to the second aspect. It will also be appreciated that the advantages presented above for features of embodiments according to one of these two aspects may generally be valid for the corresponding features of embodiments according to the other aspect.
  • Fig. 1 shows a prior art communication system 100.
  • This communication system 100 has been described above in the background section.
  • the inventors have realized that the local power supply 170 may be replaced by a centrally located power supply if electrical power can be conveyed through a duct together with fibres carrying optical signals between the converter 130 and PoE switch 150.
  • the duct may for example be a plastic tube through which fibre cables may be blown via cable jetting. Such techniques for installing fibre cables are well-known in the art.
  • the electrical conductors may be protected by the duct.
  • an existing infrastructure of ducts already employed for conveying data could be employed also for conveying electric power.
  • Hybrid cables comprising both optical fibres and electrical conductors are known in the art.
  • the electrical insulation required to safely convey electric power typically makes such hybrid cables too thick and/or heavy to be conveniently fed through long and narrow ducts, for example via cable jetting.
  • such prior art hybrid cables may not be suitable for providing power to the PoE switch 150 through an already existing infrastructure of ducts.
  • some of these prior art hybrid cables comprise American wire gauge (AWG) cables which have rather thick insulating and protective layers.
  • the inventors have realized that the insulation required for safely conveying electric power may be reduced if a suitable voltage level is employed, and that this allows for providing hybrid cables with smaller diameter. Communication systems employing such hybrid cables will first be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 5 . Example hybrid cables will then de described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 .
  • Fig. 2 shows a communication system 200 according to an embodiment.
  • the communication system 200 has several elements in common with the communication system 100, described with reference to Fig. 1 , but electrical power is conveyed through a duct 190 via a hybrid cable 300 instead of being provided by a local power source 170.
  • the hybrid cable 300 includes electrical cable members (which may also be referred to as conductors) and optical cable members (which comprise signal transmitting members such as optical fibres), and will be described in detail below with reference to Fig 3 .
  • the duct 190 may for example have a cylindrical wall.
  • the wall may for example be at least 1 mm thick.
  • the wall may for example be made of plastic material.
  • the communication system 200 comprises a first subsystem 210 at one end of the duct 190 and a second subsystem 220 at the other end of the duct 190.
  • the first subsystem 210 comprises a converter 211 connected to electric cable members of the hybrid cable 300 for proving electric power to the electric cable members 300 of the hybrid cable 300.
  • the converter 211 is a power converter 211 configured to convert electric power received from a power source 212 (such as line power or grid power) into a format suitable for transmission through the hybrid cable 300.
  • the first subsystem 210 also comprises another converter 213 having an optical interface and an electrical interface.
  • This other converter 213 is an electro-optical converter 213 configured to provide conversion between optical signals at its optical interface and electrical signals at its electrical interface.
  • the optical interface of the electro-optical converter 213 is connected to one or more optical cable members of the hybrid cable 300 for communication through the hybrid cable 300.
  • a server 120 provides electrical signals to the electro-optical converter 213 which converts these electrical signals into optical signals for transmission through the hybrid cable 300.
  • the electro-optical converter 213 corresponds to the converter 130 in the communication system 100 described with reference to Fig. 1 .
  • the second subsystem 220 comprises a first converter 221 having an optical interface and an electrical interface.
  • the optical interface is connected to one or more optical cable members of the hybrid cable 300.
  • the first converter 221 is configured to provide conversion between optical signals at its optical interface and electrical signals at its electrical interface.
  • the first converter 221 corresponds to the PoE switch 150 in the communication system described with reference to Fig. 1 .
  • the second subsystem 220 also comprises a second converter 222 arranged to supply power to the first converter 221.
  • the second converter 222 comprises an interface connected to electric cable members of the hybrid cable 300.
  • the second converter 222 is a power converter configured to convert electric power received via the hybrid cable 300 into a power format suitable for powering the first converter 221.
  • the second subsystem 220 comprises a wireless transmitter 225 connected to the electrical interface of the first converter 221.
  • the wireless transmitter 225 may for example be a wireless transceiver (such as the WiFi access point 110 described above with reference to Fig 1 , or a transmitter in a remote radio head, RRH, for wireless communication services such as 3G, 4G, or 5G) configured to transmit and receive wireless signals.
  • the first converter 221 is a PoE switch 221 of the same type as the PoE switch 150 in the communication system 100 described above with reference to Fig. 1 .
  • the PoE switch 221 provides data and electric power to the transmitter 225 via a cable 223.
  • the cable 223 may for example be an Ethernet cable, a category 6 (or cat 6) cable, or some other twisted or untwisted signal transmitting cable.
  • the transmitter 225 is powered in some other way.
  • power from the hybrid cable 300 may be provided to the transmitter 225 in a separate conductor instead of being provided by a PoE switch 221 in a cable 223 together with data signals.
  • the second subsystem 220 comprises one or more cameras 224 (for example surveillance cameras), and/or one or more sensors (for example for triggering an alarm) connected to the electrical interface of the first converter 221.
  • the cameras 180 and/or sensors may for example be powered by the converter 221 via the cable 223.
  • line power 212 (for example 230 V alternate current, at a frequency of 50 Hz) is converted by the power converter 211 in the first subsystem 210 to 110 V direct current.
  • the converted electric power may be conveyed through a hybrid cable 300 with smaller diameter than prior art hybrid cables comprising AWG cables.
  • the power converter 211 is of a power converter type for which the primary side is isolated from the secondary side, in order to prevent line power voltage levels from reaching the cable 300, even in case of short circuits or other malfunctions.
  • Such types of power converters 211 are well-known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the first subsystem 210 may for example comprise a current limiting device (for example fuse) for preventing currents above 3 A (or some other threshold, such as 4 A, or 5 A, or 10 A) to enter the cable 300.
  • the cable 300 comprises multiple conductor pairs (or electrical cable members)
  • currents up to 3 A may for example be allowed to pass through each of the conductor pairs.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may for example be up to 1 km long, and the voltage may drop from 110 V to about 75 V before reaching the second subsystem 220. With a single conductor pair, the hybrid cable 300 may therefore provide about 225 W to the second subsystem 220 (and about 450 W with two conductor pairs).
  • Use of 110 V direct current in the hybrid cable 300 allows the cable 300 to be made sufficiently thin to be blown long distances through ducts, while sufficient power may still be conveyed through the able 300 to the second subsystem 220 despite the power loss in the cable 300.
  • lower voltages such as 100V or 90 V could also be used.
  • Embodiments may also be envisaged in which the cable 300 may be as long as 2 km, or 3 km, or even up to 4 km. For such longer cables 300, the voltage drop may then be larger.
  • the power converter 222 then converts the electrical power received from the hybrid cable 300 into a suitable format for powering the PoE switch 221.
  • the PoE switch 221 may for example receive direct current at a voltage level of 48 V from the power converter 222.
  • the power converter 222 employed in the second subsystem 220 may preferably de configured to handle a range of possible input voltage levels.
  • the power converter 222 may for example be adapted to convert 110-75V to 48 V. Since there is a voltage drop in the cable 300, it would not be suitable to remove the converter 222 and instead try to convey 48V in the cable 300.
  • the wireless transmitter 225 and the converter 221 may be provided as separate devices with separate casings.
  • the transmitter 225 may for example be arranged at distance (for example at least 0.5 m or 1 m) from the converter 221.
  • embodiments may also be envisaged in which the wireless transmitter 225 and the converter 221 may be arranged in the same casing.
  • the wireless transmitter 225 and the converter 221 may for example be integrated parts of a remote radio head (RRH) employed for mobile communications services of the third, fourth, or fifth generation, i.e. 3G, 4G or 5G.
  • RRH remote radio head
  • the converter 221 may for example comprise multiple outputs for conveying data and power to multiple transmitters 225 via multiple cables 223 (for example via multiple Ethernet cables 223).
  • the power converter 222 may for example be integrated in the same casing as the converter 221 (or PoE switch). If arranged outdoors, the power converter 222 and the converter 221 (or PoE switch) may for example be arranged together in a weather protected (or water resistant, or environmentally sealed) casing.
  • Fig. 5 is shows a communication system 500 including multiple WiFi access points, according to an embodiment.
  • the communication system 500 comprises a home node 510 which supplies power to a plurality of remote nodes 520 distributed in an area with roads and buildings.
  • Fig. 5 shows the area from above.
  • the home node 510 is a subsystem of the same type as the first subsystem 210 described with reference to Fig. 2 .
  • Each of the remote nodes 520 are subsystems of the same type as the second subsystem 220 described with reference to Fig. 2 .
  • Each of the remote nodes 520 comprises a WiFi access point 525.
  • the home node 510 supplies the remote nodes 520 with data and electric power via hybrid cables 300.
  • a single hybrid cable 300 may for example be employed to carry data and electric power indented for multiple remote nodes 520 through a duct.
  • the cable 300 may exit the duct and may be opened such that the conductors and optical fibres may be accessed.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may then be branched off into multiple hybrid cables leading through ducts in different directions for supplying data and electric power to respective remote nodes 520.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may comprise one optical fibre for each remote node 520 (or two fibres for each remote node 520 for conveying data back and forth, respectively), while the same conductor may be employed for carrying power to multiple remote nodes 520.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may comprise multiple conductors for conveying electrical power to respective different remote nodes 520.
  • the home node 510 provides power and data to six remote nodes 520, each having a power consumption of 30W.
  • the cable 300 conveys a power of 180 W.
  • the remote node located furthest away from the home node 510 is located about 1 km away from the home node 510. As the distance increases, power losses in the cable 300 may increase.
  • the number of remote nodes 520 (or WiFi access points 525) that can be powered the same cable 300 depends on the power consumption of the remote nodes 520 and the dimensions of the hybrid cable 300.
  • Several hybrid cables 300 may for example be arranged in parallel for conveying data and electric power from the home node 510 to respective collections of remote nodes 520.
  • Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a hybrid cable 300 used in a communication system according to an embodiment.
  • This hybrid cable 300 may for example be employed in the communication systems 200 and 500 described above with reference to Figs. 2 and 5 respectively.
  • the hybrid cable 300 (which may also be referred to as a hybrid cable assembly) comprises optical cable members 310, electric cable members 320 and a cable sheathing 330.
  • Each of the optical cable members 310 comprises a signal transmitting member 311 adapted to transmit optical signals along the hybrid cable 300 and a tubular enclosure 312 enclosing the signal transmitting member 311.
  • Each of the electric cable members 320 comprises an electrically conductive interior 321 for conveying electric power along the hybrid cable 300 and an electrically insulating layer 322 enclosing the electrically conductive interior 321.
  • the electrically conductive interiors 321 of the electrical cable members 320 are separated from each other by the electrically insulating layers 322.
  • the cable sheathing 330 encloses the optical cable members 310 and the electric cable members 320.
  • each of the optical cable members 310 is a loose tube fibre arrangement comprising signal transmitting members 311 in the form of multiple optical fibres 311 enclosed by the tubular enclosure 312.
  • the fibres 311 may for example comprise one or more commonly used fibre materials such as silicon dioxide (also known as silica).
  • the tubular enclosure 312 may for example comprise polyamide.
  • one or more of the optical cable members 310 are tight buffered arrangements comprising a signal transmitting member in the form of a single optical fibre enclosed by a tubular enclosure (for example a polymer jacket.
  • the ends of the optical fibres 311 may for example be connected to the first and second subsystems 210 and 220 (described above with reference to Fig. 2 ) via fiber pigtails (for example using fusion splicing).
  • the electrically conductive interior 321 of each of the electric cable members 320 is a stranded wire 321 comprising a plurality of metal strands (for example copper strands).
  • the stranded wire 321 may for example comprise 22 copper strands, each having a diameter of 0. 20 mm, corresponding to an area of 0.75 mm 2 .
  • the insulating layer 322 may for example comprise one or more materials commonly used for insulation of power cables, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyolefin (for example polyethylene or polypropylene).
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • polyolefin for example polyethylene or polypropylene
  • insulating layers 322 of the different electrical cable members 320 may for example have different colors, such as black and red for plus and minus to be easily distinguishable. The color may for example be provided as a thin layer (e.g. 0.05 mm) at the outer surface of the insulating layer 322.
  • the insulating layer 322 for each electric cable member 320 may for example have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.35 mm, or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm, or 0.20 mm. If the voltage is kept below 120 V for direct current, the extra-low voltage requirements for IEC 60038:1983 may for example be satisfied.
  • hybrid cables including electrical conductors with no separate electrical insulation for each of the electrical conductors may be more complicated and/or more expensive to manufacture than the hybrid cable 300. Moreover, it may be more complicated to ensure that power is conveyed safely through such cables than through hybrid cables 300 of the type described with reference to Fig 3 .
  • the cable sheathing 330 may for example comprise polyethylene.
  • the cable sheathing 330 may for example be halogen-free.
  • the hybrid cable 300 comprises a strength member 340.
  • the strength member 340 is located in the center of the hybrid cable 300 and extends axially along the hybrid cable 300 (i.e. along a central axis of the hybrid cable 300).
  • the strength member 340 provides the hybrid cable 300 with rigidity for facilitating blowing (or cable jetting) of the cable 300 into a duct, while still allowing the cable 300 to bend in case the duct is not straight.
  • the strength member 340 is located at the center of the cable 300 for providing the cable 300 with similar resistance to bending all directions.
  • the strength member 340 may for example comprise glass fiber reinforced plastic material.
  • the strength member 340 is solid, i.e. it does not have holes or a hollow interior.
  • the strength member 340 has a tubular shape, and wherein at least one of the optical cable members 310 and/or the electrical cable members 320 is arranged in the strength member.
  • suitable rigidity is provided to the hybrid cable by a plurality of strength members distributed throughout the cable (e.g. instead of a single strength member 340 located at the center of the cable).
  • a solid strength member 340 located at the center of the cable 300 is a simple and reliable way to provide suitable rigidity.
  • Hybrid cables according to the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 3 may also be easier and/or cheaper to manufacture than hybrid cables with other types of strength members.
  • Embodiments may also be envisaged in which the hybrid cable 300 does not comprise a strength member 340. If the hybrid cable 300 is sufficiently light, it may for example be conveniently blown through a duct even without a strength member 340. For heavier cables 300, a strength member 340 may facilitate blowing of the cable 300 into a duct.
  • the optical cable members 310 and the electric cable members 320 are distributed in a ring around the strength member 340. Since, in the present embodiment, the optical cable members 310 and the electric cable members 320 all have equal (or similar, or substantially equal) diameters, this arrangement makes the cable 300 symmetrical. This symmetry allows the cable 300 to behave similarly in all directions, for example during manual handling, or during blowing of the cable through a duct. Rather than only having two electric cable members 320 (for example with high and low potential respectively), the cable 300 comprises four electric cable members 320, for making the cable 300 more symmetric. The increased number of electric cable members 320 may also allow the cable 300 to convey more power.
  • That the electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 are distributed in a ring around the strength member 340 may be expressed in the following way.
  • the distances from each of the electric cable members 320 to the center of the cable 300 substantially coincides with (or differs by less than for example a factor 1.5 or 1.2 from) the distances from each of the optical cable members 310 to the center of the cable 300.
  • the electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 all have diameters similar (or equal) to the diameter of the strength member 340, which allows them to fit nicely around the strength member 340 to form a compact and symmetrical shaped hybrid cable 300.
  • the electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 may for example be parallel to the strength member 340 and may extend axially along the cable 300 in a straight manner. In other example configurations, the electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 may for example spiral (or be twisted) around the strength member 340. The electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 may for example be SZ stranded.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may for example comprise a slit up yarn 350, such as aramide yarn, which may be used for slitting up the cable sheeting 330.
  • the hybrid cable 300 may for example comprise wrapping 360, such as water blocking yarns.
  • the wrapping 360 may for example at least partially fill the space between the electric cable members 320, the optical cable members 310 and the strength member 340.
  • the cable 300 is adapted for conveying direct current at voltages of at most 110 Volt.
  • the insulation 322 of the conductors 320 need not be that thick for the cable 300 to safely convey electricity.
  • the cable 300 is intended to be arranged in a duct which will protect additional protection.
  • the insulation 322 may for example be only 0.20 mm thick.
  • each electrical cable member 320 is arranged close to another electrical cable member 320 (they may for example be in abutment to each other).
  • the distance D1 from one of the electric cable members 320 to the electrically conductive interior 321 of the other electric cable member 320 is therefore not much longer than the thickness of the insulating layer 322.
  • the distance D1 from one of the electric cable members 320 to the electrically conductive interior 321 of the other electric cable member 320 may for example be at most 0.35 mm, or 0.30 mm, or 0.25 mm.
  • the distance between the electrically conductive interiors 321 of two of the electric cable members 320 may be at most0.7 mm, or 0.6 mm, or 0.5 mm.
  • each optical cable member 310 is arranged close to an electric cable member 320 (they may for example be arranged in abutment to each other).
  • the distance D2 from the optical cable member 310 to the electrically conductive interior 321 of an electric cable member 320 is therefore not much longer than the thickness of the insulating layer 322.
  • the distance D2 from the optical cable member 310 to the electrically conductive interior 321 of an electric cable member 320 may for example be at most 0.35 mm, or 0.3 mm, or 0.25 mm.
  • the distances D1 and D2 may be longer if the electric cable members 320 and the optical cable members 310 are arranged at a distance from each other, but a compact configurations are preferred, so as to provide a hybrid cable 300 with small diameter.
  • the thin insulation 322 allows the hybrid cable 300 to have a relatively small diameter D4.
  • the diameter D4 of the hybrid cable 300 is 5.6 mm.
  • Such thin cables may easily be blown over a kilometer into ducts of inner diameter 10 mm. Even hybrid cables of diameter up to 7 mm may be blown through such ducts. As the diameter of the cable approaches the diameter of the duct, the distance the cable can be easily blown through the duct typically decreases.
  • the cable 300 is adapted for conveying current of at most 3 A. This allows the electrically conductive interiors to be made quite thin. In the present embodiment, the electrically conductive interiors each have a surface area of 0.75mm 2 .
  • the diameter D3 of the electric cable members 320 (including the electrically conductive interior 321 and the insulation 322) is 1.55 mm.
  • the weight of the hybrid cable 300 is about 45 kg/km (with 12 optical fibres 311 in each of the two optical cable members 310). This is significantly lighter than many prior art hybrid cables, and facilitates blowing of the cable 300 through ducts.
  • Fig. 4 shows a cross section of hybrid cable 400 used in a communication system according to an embodiment.
  • the cable 400 is similar to the hybrid cable 300 described with reference to Fig. 3 , except that one of the optical cable members 310 has been replaced by a filler cable 410 (i.e. the hybrid cable 400 comprises only a single optical cable member 310).
  • the filler cable 410 serves the make the cable 400 symmetric in cases where a single optical cable member 310 is sufficient for conveying the optical signals.
  • the hybrid cable 400 may for example be employed in the systems 200 and 500, described with reference to Figs. 2 and 5 instead of the hybrid cable 300.
  • the hybrid cables 300 and 400 may for example be installed into ducts 190 via blowing (also called cable jetting).
  • An end of the cable 300 (or the cable 400) may be inserted into the duct 190 and the cable 300 may be blown through the duct 190 via use of compressed air.
  • the cable 300 may for example be pushed into the duct 190 while blowing, for increasing the distance it can be blown through the duct 190.
  • the cable 300 may for example have a diameter D4 of 5.6 mm. If the inner diameter of the duct is 10mm, such thin cables 300 may be blown long distances through the duct (for example at least 500 meters, or 1000 meters).
  • hybrid cables may comprise more or less any number of connectors and fibres, and that the conductors and fibres may be distributed in many different ways in hybrid cables.
  • examples have been described above in which the hybrid cables 300 and 400 are employed for powering PoE switches and WiFi access points, it will be appreciated that the hybrid cables 300 and 400 may be employed for powering other types of electrical equipment.
  • the hybrid cables 300 and 400 may for example be employed for powering components or devices employed for providing 3G, 4G or 5G communication services, or other types of wireless communication.
  • the hybrid cables 300 and 400 may for example be employed for powering other types of equipment, such as cameras, or various sensors. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
  • the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps
  • the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.
  • the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (11)

  1. Kommunikationssystem (200) umfassend:
    einen Kanal (190);
    ein Hybridkabel (300, 400) zum Leiten elektrischer Energie mindestens 100 Meter durch den Kanal, wobei sich mindestens ein Abschnitt des Hybridkabels in dem Kanal befindet;
    ein erster Konverter (221), der eine optische Schnittstelle und eine elektrische Schnittstelle aufweist, wobei der erste Konverter konfiguriert ist, eine Konvertierung zwischen optischen Signalen an der optischen Schnittstelle und elektrischen Signalen an der elektrischen Schnittstelle bereitzustellen; und
    ein vierter Konverter (213), der eine optische Schnittstelle und eine elektrische Schnittstelle aufweist, wobei der vierte Konverter konfiguriert ist, eine Konvertierung zwischen optischen Signalen an seiner optischen Schnittstelle und elektrischen Signalen an seiner elektrischen Schnittstelle durchzuführen,
    wobei das Hybridkabel umfasst:
    ein optisches Kabelelement (310), umfassend ein Signalsendeelement (311), angepasst zum Senden optischer Signale entlang des Hybridkabels und einer röhrenförmigen Einhausung (312), die das Signalsendeelement einschließt, wobei das optische Kabelelement mit der optischen Schnittstelle des ersten Konverters und der optischen Schnittstelle des vierten Konverters verbunden ist;
    zwei elektrische Kabelelemente (320), wobei jedes der elektrischen Kabelelemente ein elektrisch leitendes Inneres (321), um elektrische Energie entlang des Hybridkabels zu leiten, und eine elektrisch isolierende Schicht (322), die das elektrisch leitende Innere umschließt, umfasst; und
    eine Kabelscheide (330), die das optische Kabelelement und die elektrischen Kabelelemente umschließt,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    eine Dicke (D1, D2) der elektrisch isolierenden Schicht des mindestens einen der elektrischen Kabelelemente ist geringer als oder gleich 0,35 mm, und dass das Kommunikationssystem ferner umfasst:
    einen zweiten Konverter (222), der angeordnet ist, um den ersten Konverter mit Energie zu versorgen, wobei der zweite Konverter eine Schnittstelle umfasst, die mit den elektrischen Kabelelementen des Hybridkabels verbunden sind, wobei der zweite Konverter ein Leistungskonverter ist, der konfiguriert ist, um elektrische Energie von einem ersten Leistungsformat, das über die elektrischen Kabelelemente empfangen wird, in ein zweites Leistungsformat zu konvertieren, um den ersten Konverter mit Energie zu versorgen, und wobei das erste Energieformat Gleichstrom auf einer Spannungsebene von mindestens 75 Volt und höchstens 110 Volt umfasst; und
    einen dritten Konverter (211), der mit den elektrischen Kabelelementen des Hybridkabels verbunden ist, um Gleichstrom auf einer ersten Spannungsebene an die elektrischen Kabelelemente des Hybridkabels bereitzustellen, wobei der dritte Konverter ein Leistungskonverter ist, der konfiguriert ist, einen zweiten Spannungspegel auf einen ersten Spannungspegel zu konvertieren und/oder konfiguriert, einen Wechselstrom in Gleichstrom zu konvertieren.
  2. Kommunikationssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Distanz (D1) von einem ersten elektrischen Kabelelement der elektrischen Kabelelemente zu dem elektrisch leitenden Inneren eines zweiten elektrischen Kabelelements der elektrischen Kabelelemente geringer als 0,35 mm ist, oder wobei eine Distanz (D2) von dem optischen Kabelelement zu dem elektrisch leitenden Inneren eines elektrischen Kabelelements der elektrischen Kabelelemente geringer als 0,35 mm ist.
  3. Kommunikationssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein Durchmesser (D3) jedes der elektrischen Kabelelemente maximal 2 mm beträgt.
  4. Kommunikationssystem eines der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein Durchmesser (D4) des Hybridkabels maximal 7,5 mm beträgt, vorzugsweise maximal 7 mm und besonders vorzugsweise maximal 6 mm.
  5. Kommunikationssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Hybridkabel weiter ein Verstärkungselement (340) umfasst, das zentral im Hybridkabel platziert ist und sich axial entlang des Hybridkabels erstreckt, wobei das optische Kabelelement und die elektrischen Kabelelemente um das Verstärkungselement verteilt sind.
  6. Kommunikationssystem nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Hybridkabel umfasst:
    zwei optische Kabelelemente (310), wobei jedes der optischen Kabelelemente ein Signalsendeelement (311) umfasst, das angepasst ist, optische Signale entlang des Hybridkabels zu leiten, und eine röhrenförmige Einhausung, (312), die das signalleitende Element umschließt; und
    vier elektrische Kabelelemente (320), wobei jedes der elektrischen Kabelelemente ein elektrisch leitendes Inneres (321), um elektrische Energie entlang des Hybridkabels zu leiten, und eine elektrisch isolierende Schicht (322), die das elektrisch leitende Innere umschließt, umfasst,
    wobei die Kabelscheide das Verstärkungselement, die optischen Kabelelemente und die elektrischen Kabelelemente umschließt, und wobei die optischen Kabelelemente und die elektrischen Kabelelemente entlang des Verstärkungselements verteilt sind.
  7. Kommunikationssystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner
    umfassend:
    eine Vorrichtung, verbunden mit der elektrischen Schnittstelle des ersten Konverters,
    wobei die Vorrichtung:
    eine Kamera (224);
    ein Sensor; oder
    ein Drahtlossender (225) ist.
  8. Kommunikationssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Distanz entlang des Kanals zwischen mindestens einer Öffnung des Kanals, über die die ersten und zweiten Konverter mit dem Hybridkabel verbunden sind, und mindestens eine Öffnung des Kanals, über den die dritten und vierten Konverter mit dem Hybridkabel verbunden sind, mindestens 100 Meter beträgt.
  9. Installationsverfahren, umfassend:
    Bereitstellung eines Hybridkabels (300, 400) zum Leiten elektrischer Energie mindestens 100 Meter durch einen Kanal (190), wobei das Hybridkabel umfasst:
    ein optisches Kabelelement (310), das ein Signalsendeelement (311) umfasst, das angepasst ist, optische Signale entlang des Hybridkabels zu leiten, und eine röhrenförmige Einhausung, (312), die das signalleitende Element umschließt;
    zwei elektrische Kabelelemente (320), wobei jedes der elektrischen Kabelelemente ein elektrisch leitendes Inneres (321), um elektrische Energie entlang des Hybridkabels zu leiten, und eine elektrisch isolierende Schicht (322), die das elektrisch leitende Innere umschließt, umfasst; und
    eine Kabelscheide (330), die das optische Kabelelement und die elektrischen Kabelelemente umschließt,
    das Verfahren ferner umfassend:
    Einführen eines Endes des Hybridkabels in den Kanal;
    Blasen von mindestens einem Abschnitt des Hybridkabels mindestens teilweise durch den Kanal;
    Verbinden des optischen Kabelelements mit einer optischen Schnittstelle eines ersten Konverters (221), wobei der erste Konverter konfiguriert ist, eine Konvertierung zwischen optischen Signalen an der optischen Schnittstelle und elektrischen Signalen an einer elektrischen Schnittstelle aufweist; und
    Verbindungen des optischen Kabelelements mit einer optischen Schnittstelle eines vierten Konverters (213), wobei der vierte Konverter konfiguriert ist, eine Konvertierung zwischen optischen Signalen an seiner optischen Schnittstelle und elektrischen Signalen an einer elektrischen Schnittstelle aufweist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Dicke (D1, D2) der elektrisch isolierenden Schicht des mindestens einen der elektrischen Kabelelemente geringer als oder gleich 0,35 mm ist, und dass das Verfahren ferner umfasst:
    Verbinden der elektrischen Kabelelemente mit einer Schnittstelle eines zweiten Konverters (222), wobei der zweite Konverter angeordnet ist, den ersten Konverter mit Strom zu versorgen, wobei der zweite Konverter ein Leistungskonverter ist, der konfiguriert ist, elektrische Energie von einem ersten Energieformat, das über die elektrischen Kabelelemente empfangen wird, in ein zweites Energieformat zu konvertieren, um den ersten Konverter mit Energie zu versorgen, und wobei das erste Energieformat Gleichstrom auf einer Spannungsebene von mindestens 75 Volt und höchstens 110 Volt umfasst; und
    Verbinden der elektrischen Kabelelemente mit einem dritten Konverter (211), wobei der dritte Konverter angeordnet ist, die elektrischen Kabelelemente des Hybridkabels mit Gleichstrom auf einer ersten Spannungsebene zu versorgen, wobei der dritte Konverter ein Leistungskonverter ist, der konfiguriert ist, einen zweiten Spannungspegel auf einen ersten Spannungspegel zu konvertieren und/oder konfiguriert ist, einen Wechselstrom in Gleichstrom zu konvertieren.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, umfassend:
    Blasen von mindestens einem Abschnitt des Hybridkabels durch mindestens 100 Meter des Kanals, vorzugsweise durch mindestens 500 Meter des Kanals.
  11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 10, wobei der Kanal einen Innendurchmesser von maximal 10 mm aufweist.
EP16200293.5A 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem Active EP3327732B1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16200293.5A EP3327732B1 (de) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem
PCT/EP2017/080161 WO2018096020A1 (en) 2016-11-23 2017-11-23 Hybrid cable and associated communication system
ZA2019/04058A ZA201904058B (en) 2016-11-23 2019-06-21 Hybrid cable and associated communication system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16200293.5A EP3327732B1 (de) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3327732A1 EP3327732A1 (de) 2018-05-30
EP3327732B1 true EP3327732B1 (de) 2019-05-01

Family

ID=57394427

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16200293.5A Active EP3327732B1 (de) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3327732B1 (de)
WO (1) WO2018096020A1 (de)
ZA (1) ZA201904058B (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10770203B2 (en) 2018-07-19 2020-09-08 Commscope Technologies Llc Plug-in power and data connectivity micro grids for information and communication technology infrastructure and related methods of deploying such micro grids
US20230036460A1 (en) * 2018-05-04 2023-02-02 Cisco Technology, Inc. High power and data delivery in a communications network with safety and fault protection

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10574035B2 (en) 2018-06-05 2020-02-25 Appleton Grp Llc Hybrid power and fiber optic distribution panels

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011079564A1 (zh) 2009-12-30 2011-07-07 国网信息通信有限公司 一种复合线缆
US20110170835A1 (en) 2010-01-14 2011-07-14 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Opto-electro hybrid harness and method of manufacturing the same
US20140258742A1 (en) 2013-03-05 2014-09-11 Ching-Yun CHIEN Hybrid fiber optic and power over ethernet
US20150078740A1 (en) 2013-09-19 2015-03-19 RADIUS UNIVERSAL, A Limited Liability Company of the State of New York Fiber optic communications network
US20150309271A1 (en) 2013-03-18 2015-10-29 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Power and optical fiber interface
WO2015168686A1 (en) * 2014-05-02 2015-11-05 Afl Telecommunications Llc Optical broadband node cable
US9322704B1 (en) 2013-10-18 2016-04-26 Superior Essex International LP Composite active optical cables
WO2016106152A1 (en) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-30 Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba Power/fiber hybrid cable for indoor use

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011079564A1 (zh) 2009-12-30 2011-07-07 国网信息通信有限公司 一种复合线缆
US20110170835A1 (en) 2010-01-14 2011-07-14 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Opto-electro hybrid harness and method of manufacturing the same
US20140258742A1 (en) 2013-03-05 2014-09-11 Ching-Yun CHIEN Hybrid fiber optic and power over ethernet
US20150309271A1 (en) 2013-03-18 2015-10-29 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Power and optical fiber interface
US20150078740A1 (en) 2013-09-19 2015-03-19 RADIUS UNIVERSAL, A Limited Liability Company of the State of New York Fiber optic communications network
US9322704B1 (en) 2013-10-18 2016-04-26 Superior Essex International LP Composite active optical cables
WO2015168686A1 (en) * 2014-05-02 2015-11-05 Afl Telecommunications Llc Optical broadband node cable
WO2016106152A1 (en) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-30 Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba Power/fiber hybrid cable for indoor use

Non-Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ANONYMUS: "Datasheet for cable type 5500FE", BELDEN, INC., 30 March 2015 (2015-03-30), XP055682883
ANONYMUS: "Dimensions, test methods and requirements for copper conductor cables", INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6722-1, 15 October 2011 (2011-10-15), XP055682879
ANONYMUS: "Electric power transmission", WIKIPEDIA, 31 January 2020 (2020-01-31), XP055682874
ANONYMUS: "Optical fibre cables - Part 1-21: Generic specification - Basic optical cable test procedures - Mechanical test methods", INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IEC 60794-1-21, 1 March 2015 (2015-03-01), XP055682885
ANONYMUS: "Power management integrated circuit", WIKIPEDIA, 31 January 2020 (2020-01-31), XP055682872
DIRECT CURRENT, 23 November 2016 (2016-11-23), XP055682877, [retrieved on 20200201]
EMTELLE FIBREFLOW CATALOGUE, 2015, XP055682886, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://www.emtelle.com/wp-content/uploads/20 15/09/fibreflow-Cataloque-2015-1. pdf> [retrieved on 20200202]

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230036460A1 (en) * 2018-05-04 2023-02-02 Cisco Technology, Inc. High power and data delivery in a communications network with safety and fault protection
US10770203B2 (en) 2018-07-19 2020-09-08 Commscope Technologies Llc Plug-in power and data connectivity micro grids for information and communication technology infrastructure and related methods of deploying such micro grids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA201904058B (en) 2022-12-21
WO2018096020A1 (en) 2018-05-31
EP3327732A1 (de) 2018-05-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5677974A (en) Hybrid communications and power cable and distribution method and network using the same
KR100278728B1 (ko) 전송 능력이 향상된 복합 통신 케이블
US7272281B2 (en) Powered fiber cable
EP1290482B1 (de) Verbundkabel für zugangnetzwerke
ES2731696T3 (es) Cable de derivación de fibra óptica con un riesgo de incendio reducido
EP3327732B1 (de) Hybridkabel und zugehöriges kommunikationssystem
JP5702405B2 (ja) 隔離されたバイパス伝導性経路が、海底装置を横切っている、多重導体の海底光ケーブルの海底装置への結合
US20150310964A1 (en) Unitary furcating hybrid fiber optic and power cable
EP3203287B1 (de) Hybride mikrowellenkunststofffasern
JP2009537964A (ja) ワイヤレスアクセスのための光ファイバケーブル及び光ファイバケーブル組立体
EP4057300A1 (de) Fotoelektrisches verbundkabel und optisches kommunikationssystem
ES2875964T3 (es) Interfaz de fibra óptica y energía
US10008309B2 (en) Power/fiber hybrid cable for indoor use
US20050002623A1 (en) Optical fibre drop cables
CN106537207A (zh) 线缆连接
US9893812B2 (en) Wireless network cable assembly
US10833494B2 (en) Apparatus, method and system for electrical interconnection
CA2947866C (en) Optical broadband node cable
CN105492950A (zh) 光电混合线缆
CN211181749U (zh) 一种光电混合缆
CN112562910B (zh) 5g室外微基站用光电快速连接光缆及其使用方法
CN211087972U (zh) 一种耐高温集成电缆
EP3596521B1 (de) Hybridkabel mit einem rohr zur aufnahme einer optischen faser oder eines kabel
EP3614187A1 (de) Hybrides rundkabel
KR102480195B1 (ko) 누설동축케이블 및 이를 이용한 누설동축케이블 양단 급전시스템

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170420

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180620

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1128021

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016013127

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20190501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190901

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190801

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1128021

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 602016013127

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FI

Ref legal event code: MDE

Opponent name: EMTELLE UK LIMITED

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: EMTELLE UK LIMITED

Effective date: 20200203

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191123

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20191130

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20161123

RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190501

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: EMTELLE UK LIMITED

Effective date: 20200203

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230421

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: EMTELLE UK LIMITED

Effective date: 20200203

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231010

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20231011

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20231010

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20231009

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20231016

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231010

Year of fee payment: 8